# A Rare Twist in the Tale: Midgut Volvulus From Intestinal Non-rotation in an Adult

**Authors:** Ram Kumar, Alexander Mecheri Antony, Ganesh Guru, V Ramlakshmi, Gowthaam Ramesh

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.87999 · Cureus · 2025-07-15

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare case of intestinal malrotation in an adult causing midgut volvulus and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need for increased awareness of intestinal malrotation in adults to improve timely diagnosis and treatment.

## Key findings

- Intestinal malrotation can present in adulthood with symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Imaging techniques like contrast-enhanced upper gastrointestinal series and CT scans are crucial for diagnosis.
- Prompt surgical intervention is necessary to prevent complications like bowel ischemia and short bowel syndrome.

## Abstract

Intestinal malrotation is an inherited condition where the midgut is not properly rotated, and it tends to be noticed in infancy. It becomes evident in later life with unusual abdominal pain and vomiting, which happen due to occasional blockages. Consequently, there is a risk of midgut volvulus and damage to the blood supply of the bowel. For diagnosis, the best method is imaging, especially using a contrast-enhanced upper gastrointestinal series that reveals characteristic signs such as a corkscrew shape and a misplaced duodenojejunal junction. Using ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans, visualization of an unusual relationship between the superior mesenteric vessel and whirlpool sign, as well as abnormal location of the jejunal artery, can be confirmed. Most surgeons use the elective Ladd's procedure for the surgery. When bowel ischemia is found, surgery must be done, and this may result in the difficulties of short bowel syndrome. Given the variable and often subtle clinical presentation, a high index of suspicion for intestinal malrotation is crucial among patients presenting with acute abdomen and intestinal ischemia, necessitating prompt surgical intervention guided by accurate clinical and radiological evaluation to improve patient outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** intestinal malrotation (MONDO:0008666), short bowel syndrome (MONDO:0015183)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), acute abdomen (MESH:D000006), bowel ischemia (MESH:D007511), Intestinal malrotation (MESH:C562456), vomiting (MESH:D014839), short bowel syndrome (MESH:D012778)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12352524/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12352524/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12352524